The triplets climbed the grand staircase to their bedrooms, the obsidian steps inlaid with gold flecks that shimmered under the chandelier's light.
The upstairs hallway was a gallery of luxury: gold-framed mirrors, crystal sconces, and silk tapestries depicting Vionica's history.
Their three suites were side by side, each a masterpiece of design—four-poster beds with silk canopies, obsidian dressers topped with diamond vases, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glowing pool.
The fourth bedroom, locked and silent, stood at the hall's end, a shadow they ignored.
They decided to bathe together, a ritual from childhood, and headed to the East Wing's sauna and bath area.
The bath chamber was a sanctuary of black marble and gold tiles, its massive tub carved from obsidian, big enough for all three.
Steam rose from the water, scented with eucalyptus and lavender, the air warm and soothing. Glass walls revealed the conservatory's glowing plants, adding a dreamy haze to the room.
Valentina stripped off her suit first, hanging it on a gold rack, her gold jewellery clinking as she set it aside. "This is what I needed," she said, sinking into the tub, the water rippling around her.
Vittoria followed, tossing her jacket carelessly, her grin wide. "Better than the jet's food. Look at this steam—feels like a cloud."
Viviana slipped in last, her movements precise, her gold bracelet glinting as she leaned back. "Quiet, you two. Let me enjoy this."
They laughed, the sound echoing off the marble walls. The water was warm, easing the tension from their long flight.
They soaked in silence for a moment, their Obsidian beads glowing faintly against their skin, the red light dancing on the water's surface.
"Think school's gonna be different this year?" Vittoria asked, splashing water at Valentina.
Valentina flicked water back, smirking. "Same old rich kids, same old games. We'll walk in, and they'll bow."
Viviana's eyes narrowed, her voice soft but sharp. "Don't get lazy. Nonno's right—new faces mean new threats. We stay sharp."
They nodded, the water lapping around them. The bath was their sanctuary, a place to be themselves, no masks, no beads, just sisters.
They talked of school—rumours of new security, whispers of Diamond girls, the parties they'd dominate.
The steam curled around them, the gold tiles gleaming, and for a moment, the world outside the East Wing didn't exist.
After the bath, the triplets wrapped themselves in plush gold robes, their wet hair dripping onto the marble floor.
They padded back to the hallway, their Obsidian beads glowing softly, and glanced at the dining room as they passed. It was empty now, the staff gone, the gold-rimmed plates cleared.
They caught sight of Elena near the entrance hall, her navy blazer slung over her arm, her Silver bead steady as she checked her tablet one last time.
"Hey, Elena!" Vittoria called, her voice echoing. "You sneaking out already?"
Elena turned, her smile warm but tired. "Got to get home to Carla and Sofia. They're probably up waiting for me."
Valentina leaned against the wall, her robe slipping slightly. "Tell them we're throwing a movie night soon. Sofia can pick the film."
Elena nodded, her eyes softening. "She'll love that. She's been talking about the theatre since her last visit."
Viviana stepped forward, her voice quieter. "Drive safe, okay? Marco's waiting for you?"
"Always," Elena said, tucking her tablet under her arm. "He's got the Rolls-Royce ready. I'll see you tomorrow, ladies. Be ready for school."
They waved as she slipped out the double doors, the obsidian panels closing with a soft thud.
Outside, Marco's car purred, its headlights cutting through the night.
The triplets watched from the window, their beads pulsing, a mix of affection and respect in their hearts. Elena was their rock; her Silver status no match for her loyalty.
They knew she'd be back at dawn, her tablet buzzing with their schedules, her calm presence steadying their chaotic world.
"Let's get to bed," Valentina said, turning away. "Big day tomorrow."
Vittoria groaned, her gold robe swishing. "Can't we just stay up and raid the theatre?"
Viviana smirked, nudging her. "Sleep first, movies later. Don't make us drag you."
They laughed, heading to their suites, the East Wing's glow wrapping around them like a second skin.